Dear Shaare Family,
I was saddened to learn of the passing this week of Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Glick. Rabbi Dr. Glick was a congregational Rabbi in Montreal for many decades, as well as a clinical psychologist who was a pioneer in the field of Orthoox Jewish mental health, as the founder of the organization Nefesh. As the parents of a child with special needs, he and, lehavdil bein chaim lechaim his wife Nina founded Yachad in Canada and a group home titled Maison Shalom, for adults with special needs, They were heavily involved in Camp HASC as well. I met Rabbi Dr. Glick through his frequent visits to Rochester, where one of their daughters still lives. He was a deeply thoughtful individual who was also full of an almost childlike enthusiasm for life, and especially for his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In recent years, he contended with dementia, a condition he described at its onset in a deeply poignant article. May his memory be for a blessing.
Hakarat HaTov Corner
Anyone who watched the Sefer Torah dedication in memory of Rebbetzin Annette Wolk z”l, or participated in person, must have noticed the incredible ruach generated by the students at AYA, a strong majority of whom were Shaare members. So many teens, unfortunately, left town for Simchat Torah this year, and their spirit was sorely missed- it was great to experience their energy and enthusiasm a few weeks later!
Rabbi’s Recommendations
1. This article is an excellent portrayal of what Rabbis across all denominations have been experiencing in recent months, as they navigate tensions surrounding public health measures, shul protocols and, in many cases, the strain the pandemic has taken on their own mental health.
2. As we near the first yahrtzeit of Lord Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Sacks, this article , by his long time Chief of Staff, describes the challenge and privilege of assuring his legacy long after his passing.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ariel Rackovsky
